Felipe and Letizia stride back into action

According to newspaper reports, their agenda has been slashed in half in 2016 because of the ongoing political situation following the inconclusive general elections in Spain. But today Felipe and Letizia strode back into action. It's true we've seen very little of them this year but their latest appearance made quite a stir.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia in Salamanca today

The royal couple headed to the University of Salamanca for the investiture of Victor Garcia de la Concha and Jose Narro as honorary doctors. King Felipe and Queen Letizia were given plenty of warm welcomes - from the fellows of the university (one of the oldest in the world), from those attending the investitures and from crowds outside afterwards.

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This was a ceremonial event filled with pomp and tradition not to mention speeches and tributes to those being honoured. And Felipe and Letizia had a starring role.

Los Reyes abandonan el Paraninfo tras el acto de investidura #honoriscausa pic.twitter.com/Ordzg9OgdR

— USAL (@usal) April 5, 2016

The Queen of Spain has kept her wardrobe quiet in recent weeks and months but today we got another look at the knockout grey suit worn when she welcomed Queen Rania to Madrid last winter when she paid a working visit with her husband, King Abdullah II. And her outfit looked just as chic today as she strode out in confidence despite ongoing issues facing the Spanish monarchy.

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Not only are the Spanish royals keeping a low profile because of politics, they also have the ongoing trial of Infanta Cristina to contend with. What should have been a glowing start to spring for Felipe and Letizia ended up being almost too quiet as their diaries ended up totally empty when their planned State Visit to the UK was postponed.

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The agenda isn't exactly packed out now but the pace of appearances is slowly picking up although it may be weeks yet before it's at full speed as political talks continue. But today's formal engagement allowed Felipe and Letizia a chance to stride out as they aim to rebuild the popularity of Spain's monarchy.